Thursday, October 29, 2009

I mentioned in my last post that I am taking a Quilt University class called More Machine Quilting. The first week we worked on different things, but mostly feathers, which I love! This week our lesson is on trapunto. I had never done it, and this is the first one I did. The actual flower pattern was provided for us. I found this one fairly easy. The stippling around it does get tedious. That's what is suggested to make the trapunto "pop."

The second photo is the next flower pattern that was provided for us. Now this one I really love, and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I'm not so sure trapunto is for me, but maybe for something small it would be a good thing.

And then, kaboom, lest someone get to thinking too well of herself, is the third pattern we were given to try. We were to put another color fabric behind the bow, and I failed pretty miserably to get the fabric the right size. I'm not happy with my effort on it at all.

We get our third lesson tomorrow, and I THINK that one will be about whole cloth quilting. It should be interesting!

I also have been working on a quilt that I will show at a later time, as it is a gift, and I don't think the recipients view my blog, but just in case...

Yesterday our four DGC came over and carved the pumpkins we had gotten for them. Great fun was had by all, and today DH and I spent a lot of time drying and roasting pumpking seeds. Actually, DH gets almost all the credit, because he spent a great deal of time yesterday separating the seeds from the slime, and doing most of the work today.

Monday, October 19, 2009

I had vowed I wouldn't let so much time pass between posts, and I've done it again. My main excuse was we were gone for a week and staying in a condo in Central Oregon at Eagle Crest. We didn't have internet access there, so, that's the best I can do for an excuse.

Prior to leaving, I did complete one quilt, another Project Linus quilt that I pieced a while back. For the quilting I used Rainbow thread that I got from Superior Threads. I am now in love with that thread. It's a verigated 40 weight polyster that has a very pretty sheen. Since quilting that quilt, I have ordered a couple other colors to use in other projects.

All routes through the mountains to Central Oregon are very scenic, but we decided this time to take a route we hadn't taken before, which is across the McKenzie Pass, which is a slower, very curvy, but gorgeous drive. The first picture is of the beautiful McKenzie River. Oregon has quite a few covered bridges, and this one is still in use.

On this drive we went from the lush greenery up to the stark lava fields, with beautiful mountain views. I believe the sign said that the volcano occured about 1500 years ago. It is so impressive to see mile after mile of the lava rocks, and be reminded that the mountains in the Cascade range are live volcanoes. (Remember Mt. St. Helens blowing in 1980?)

The last picture is taken at Smith Rock, out of Terrabonne, OR. We hiked there one day, and the path that is shown takes off at the bottom of the path down from the parking lot. Down was not so tough, but going back up was quite a climb. What a beautiful area this is though, and what a lovely day for a hike.

One other thing I have been doing is I am taking a Quilt University class - More Machine Quilting. I have already picked up several tips, and I'm really enjoying it.

Friday, October 2, 2009

For some time I have wanted to go up the Columbia River Gorge and walk the Mosier Twin Tunnels trail. DH and I finally just decided we'd do it and what a wonderful day we chose. The trail is part of the old Columbia Gorge scenic highway, and it has been turned into a walking/biking trail. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. We had a lovely drive, and the trail is so nice, and we got some exercise! The area where we were is more arid than the area east of Hood River, which is heavily forested.

Our drive home was through Hood River, and around Mt. Hood. It all was just beautiful. Near Hood River we stopped at a farm stand and got a box of Jonagold apples and some pears and peaches. What a treat! There was beautiful orchard after orchard, and several vineyards.

Clouds partially shrouded Mt. Hood, which is the lovely mountain about 60 miles east of Portland, but we had some marvelous views.

Photos

About Me

I am a retired wife, mother and grandmother. My husband is the best. We have two dear sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and four darling grandchildren. We are very fortunate to have our children and grandchildren close by, so we see a lot of them. In my spare time, I love to quilt, and have the stash, etc. to go along with it. I enjoy cooking and I love to try new recipes. I also crochet, embroider, and knit, but not nearly to the extent that I quilt.